What’s on the line: Kansas State is playing for a lot here, its first conference title since 2003 (and first BCS bowl game since then, too). The Longhorns are likely going to the Cotton Bowl win or lose but would love to play spoiler to a team they have a four-game losing streak and in a place they haven’t won since at 2002.

Texas also has the chance to turn out the lights on KSU QB Collin Klein’s Heisman campaign.

When Texas has the ball: Head coach Mack Brown said this week they’ll have to throw the ball to beat the Wildcats. The only problem is the quarterback position is unsteady right now, with Case McCoy starting, David Ash questionable (ribs) and punter Alex King taking snaps at the position this week. Ash was ineffective in the loss to Kansas State last season, throwing two interceptions. In relief, McCoy completed 50 percent of his passes and tossed a touchdown.

While the Wildcats have the nation’s No. 83 pass defense, they’re much better against the run (121 yards per game, No. 18). Seven times this season they’ve held the opposition below 100 yards on the ground, but our last memory of them is being gashed by the Bears for 342 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Malcolm Brown is said to be healthy after re-tweaking his ankle a couple weeks back against Iowa State, an injury he initially suffered in late September.

When Kansas State has the ball: No gimmicks here; the Longhorns know Klein’s power-run attack is coming right at them. Can they stop it? They were able to in 2011, holding Klein to a net of four yards rushing (his 43 yards gained were negated by sacks). They couldn’t in 2010 as Klein — the unexpected starter — ran wild while only attempting four passes.

“He comes up, you know he’s going to run the ball, but he still continues to get yards,” Texas cornerback Quandre Diggs said. “Like I say, you’ve got to be physical with those guys. If we out-physical them, I feel like it will be a good game.”

Klein’s got a pretty good supporting cast. John Hubert is a diminutive runner who can slip past defenders, averaging 5.26 yards per carry. Three receivers have 491 yards or more and tight end Travis Tannahill is averaging about 12 yards per reception.

Prediction: Baylor proved Kansas State isn’t invincible, but the Longhorns simply don’t match up well. Their defense has struggled to stop the run for most of the season, and tackling is still an issue. Against a dominant, patient attack like Kansas State’s, it might not matter who’s at quarterback for the Longhorns. Score: Kansas State 27, Texas 17